Page 7 of Hostage of the Bratva

“No, no, I wouldn’t.” He answered as he sat back down. “What did he say when you told him that?”

Waving my hand in the air, I replied. “Nothing, he just nodded and then let me go.” I felt a grin touching my lips as my mind returned to the nontalking parts, and I had to look away so my brother wouldn’t see.

“Oh, yes, remember the dog they rescued from the pipe close to the beach last week,” I said, changing the subject.

“Yes, the big German Shepard that was trapped. Did he make it?” he asked, smiling at me.

“Yes, he did, he had to get an operation on his back leg, though. But he will make it.” I replied, grinning now that I had a reason to grin without having to hide my guilt.

“You do a lot of good, you know,” Mathieu said as Bunny ran around. “Saving animals is not an easy task.”

I nodded and took out our sandwiches. Mathieu took hold of my hand as I handed him one. “You know I’m proud of you, and Mother would also have been.”

“Yes, I know,” I replied, wiping the lonely tear running down my cheek.

After lunch, Mathieu said his goodbyes to me and Bunny, and we headed home. He had a business meeting, and I needed to visit the shelter. But, first, Bunny had to go home.

I brushed Bunny out and made sure his food and water bowls were full before going to the shelter. As I filled the animal's food and water bowls, my mind kept wandering back to Luder. His hands were so soft, warm, and affectionate. Closing my eyes, I liked my lips, remembering his hard kisses.

It was one encounter I was going to remember for the rest of my life, I thought as I finished my rounds. The sex was like nothing I had experienced before. I shook my head to clear my mind. Even though it was the most amazing sex ever, I didn’t want to get serious at the moment.

I wanted to build my life, finish my animal courses, and start my own shelter. Maybe then, I would consider finding the right man. Everything about Luder was wrong, it would never work, I convinced myself as I locked up.

Anyway, I told myself as I took an Uber home. I didn’t even know who he was, and he didn’t know who I was. Yet, he could probably find out if he wanted to. I smiled at my thoughts. “No, you don’t need trouble in your life,” I whispered to myself as the driver pulled up to my house.

“Excuse me,” the driver said, glancing back at me.

“No, nothing, sorry, thanks,” I replied, paying him.

Bunny was waiting at the door when I returned, and after a quick walk for him to do his business, I took a long soaking bubble bath. My muscles were still sore, but I could still feel his touch when I closed my eyes. His fingers were magic, but oh my, his tongue. I giggled as my mind took my body through all that he did.

I got into bed, still feeling giddy, but was glad I didn’t know who he was. We would never work. Bunny joined me on the bed as I fell asleep, my mind still toying with his touch.

Chapter 5 - Luder

Staring at the ceiling, I found myself wondering what Skyler was doing. The sun had not yet appeared, and I supposed she would be sleeping. Not everyone was an early riser like me. I had to admit that even though she was not the type of woman I usually hung out with, the sex was great. She was a firecracker.

“It could be due to the adrenalin rush of the earlier events, but it was good,” I told the ceiling. I still felt relaxed even with everything going on. Sitting up, I glanced out the large window at the calm outside. The ocean was peaceful, and the early morning breeze was cool.

I pulled on my pants, shirt, and shoes. Grabbing my jacket, I headed out. On my way to Roman’s house, I stopped at the beach for a black coffee and to admire the sunrise.

“It may still turn out to be a hot day,” I said to the barista as he handed me my cup. He simply nodded and went about his business. I breathed in deeply, allowing the ocean air to fill my lungs, then drank my coffee as my mind strolled back to her naked body displayed on the old table.

Chucking the empty cup, I returned to my car, shaking my head. Upon my appearance at Roman’s place, I was surprised to see everyone had already arrived. Here, I thought I would be the first. Karine escorted me through to the garden, where the men waited for breakfast.

After a quick greeting, I took my place at the table. Roman poured me a cup of coffee and I sat listening to Roman and Sergey talking about the plans for the next shipment arriving in a week.

There was time for every discussion, and I would have my turn after breakfast. For now, I sat back and enjoyed the coffee and the view. Karine and Irina brought out our plates and placed them on the table.

It looked delicious and smelled even better. After we ate, and the women collected the plates, we could get down to why I was there.

“So then, Luder, tell us what went down yesterday. We thought the property was all set?” Roman inquired as he poured another round of coffee.

“It was,” I replied as I shook my head. “I don’t know what happened over the weekend. But when I arrived, Domique Anchony was there with his men.”

“Domique?” Sergey asked, raising his one eyebrow. “What on earth could they want with that land?”

“I don’t know,” I replied. “They weren’t too friendly to see me, though, and I had to get out. I haven’t had time yet to go back to the agent to find out what happened. But…”

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